Don’t Know When to Double Down in Blackjack? We Got You!

Blackjack is one of the most rewarding table games you can play. But it does require some strategy if you want to come out on top – like knowing when to double down in blackjack to increase your payouts.

But you can’t just go out and double down on every opportunity and expect to win (wouldn’t that be nice). It takes some skill to master this bet, and that’s where we come in. So, let’s take a seat at the table and find out how to double down in blackjack for the best results.

What does double mean in blackjack?

To double, or double down in blackjack, means that you double the bet on your blackjack hand after the cards have been dealt to receive double the payout if you win. Not all blackjack games allow this, but at Punt, you can double down on every hand in all our online blackjack games.

But should you? The answer is no. Doubling down can be a risky bet if you don’t know the blackjack double down rules. But once you know how and when to make this move, you can take a seat at any blackjack table and be one of the most dangerous players in the house.

When should you double down in blackjack?

It is important to know that you can double down only on your first 2 cards of the hand. If you have already pulled a third card, this option will no longer be available. When doubling down, you will only get 1 more card dealt to your hand, and hopefully, it’s the 1 you need.

But when can you double down in blackjack without taking too much risk? There are 3 scenarios that make the most sense when you’re looking to make this move. So here’s when to double down in blackjack:

1. Your 2-card total is 11

This is one of the best blackjack double down rules, but always take the dealer’s cards into consideration before you do. If, for example, the dealer has an ace, it’s probably not a good idea. But if the dealer has a weak card, such as a 5 or 6, then it’s your time to shine.

Here’s an example in Suit ‘Em Up Blackjack from RealTime Gaming:

This is where you want to click on the “Double” button to increase your bet and potentially walk away with double the payout. Remember, the double in blackjack meaning is that you’re doubling your bet to double the payout. 

The dealer has to pull at least 2 more cards, and chances are they might bust. If the dealer had a 10 or Ace, a double down blackjack strategy would be risky in this situation.

2. You have a hard 9 or hard 10

This means that you have a total of 9 or 10 without an Ace in the hand, otherwise it would be a “soft” 9 or 10. Doubling down blackjack hands on a soft total is also possible, but again, the dealer’s card is very important. You want the dealer to have a weak card showing, like in the image below

This is definitely when to double down in blackjack. If you get a 9, 10, Face Card (Jack, Queen, or King), or an Ace, you’ll be sitting with a pretty strong hand. And with the dealer’s weak card showing, this scenario is the best time to double down in blackjack, because the odds are in your favor.

3. With a soft 16, 17, or 18

In case you were wondering, a “soft hand” has nothing to do with hand lotion or moisturizer. It refers to a blackjack hand that includes an Ace and 1 other card. Remember, an Ace always counts as either 1 or 11. When do you double down in blackjack if you have a soft hand? When you have a soft 16, 17, or 18 – those are the best.

As you can see in the image above, the dealer has a weak 4. Using a double down blackjack strategy on the soft hand means you’ll only get 1 more card, but since there are so many 10s in a deck, the odds of getting the ideal card when doubling are good.

When NOT to double down:

There are also scenarios when doubling down would be a very bad idea, which are:

1. When the dealer has an Ace

An Ace counts as either 1 or 11 in online blackjack, and if the dealer is showing this low card, doubling down is not a good idea. Anything can happen in this scenario, and the dealer might just end up with a perfect 21 – you never know.

2. Never double down on any total above 11

There are many 10s in a deck of cards, which makes the chances of pulling a 10 when doubling up rather high. This is why doubling up on totals exceeding 11 would not be a very good idea, as you might bust by going over 21.

How to double down in blackjack: summary

Don’t get us wrong, the 3 points mentioned above aren’t the only scenarios when doubling down blackjack strategies apply. But when you’ve doubled down enough times and become familiar with this bet, your skills will improve and you’ll start to learn when the best times to make this move are. 

We have loads of online blackgames games for you to practice your skills, such as Blackjack Perfect Pairs™, Suit ‘Em Up Blackjack™, and the classic Blackjack from RealTime Gaming.

Recap: When to double down

1. You can double down only on your first 2 cards.

2. Doubling up will require you to double the value of your bet.

3. A blackjack double down bet will give you only 1 more card.

4. The best time to double down is on a total of 11, hard 9 or 10, and soft 16, 17, or 18 (taking the dealer’s card into consideration.)

Double your payouts at Punt Casino today!

Now you should have a good understanding of how to double down in blackjack when playing online, so it’s time to go out and practice your new skills. Our best online blackjack casino games are waiting to make you a winner. 

Once you’ve mastered this bet and you know when to double down in blackjack with confidence, this strategy will become your new secret weapon – good luck!

Ethan

With over a decade in the online gambling industry and a passion for all things crypto, Ethan offers valuable insight into playing at Punt with in-depth reviews, gambling guides, and informative content to help our readers make the best of their Punt Casino experience. Get all the ins and outs of crypto gambling with Ethan and our team of gambling experts right here, on the Punt Casino blog.